Hello! I am Maha Mahboob, a Gene Editor and an undergraduate Biomedical Sciences student at the University of Westminster. Participating in the Gene Editors of the Future programme has been an enriching experience for me. This programme provided me with invaluable knowledge and helped me develop key technical and professional skills.
Knowing nothing about CRISPR-Cas9 sparked my curiosity about gene editing. To explore this field of science, I joined the Gene Editors of the Future programme. Learning about gene editing has enhanced my understanding of genetics science. This is both thrilling and fascinating. Through this initiative, I not only acquired the skill of gene editing using CRISPR-Cas9, but I also had the opportunity to organise mayoral assemblies and establish significant connections. I conducted research using CRISPR-Cas9 in the Genomic Engineering Lab at the University of Westminster, designing primers and studying the effects of bisphenol on breast cancer cells.
I met some incredible contributors to science through this programme, who have inspired me both personally and professionally. This experience has unlocked new opportunities and broadened my horizons. I am immensely grateful to Dr Kalpana Surendranath and Professor John Murphy for creating this programme, which has significantly enriched the university experience for students.
British Conference for Undergraduate Research
I presented my poster at the British Conference for Undergraduate Research (BCUR) 2024, held at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), as part of my advanced training in the Gene Editors programme. This experience allowed me to interact with students from various universities presenting their posters. It was an insightful event, as I had the opportunity to learn about a wide range of student research.
QMUL undergraduate research symposium: Where Gene Editors Meet Engineers
At Queen Mary University, I presented the research from my final-year project. It was fascinating to hear about others’ research as well. The event was a fun and interactive collaboration between two universities. I was particularly intrigued to learn how scientific engineers contribute to developing medical equipment.
London mayoral assembly
Along with my Gene Editors team, I organised a London Mayoral Assembly in collaboration with Citizens UK. This experience enhanced my teamwork and community engagement skills. While catching up on previously missed political knowledge, I gained insights into community involvement and was able to actively contribute as a responsible citizen.
Members of parliament assembly
Together with my team, I organised and chaired the Parliamentary Assembly. By engaging with parliamentary candidates for the City of Westminster, I gained valuable insights into community challenges. I actively listened, took notes on ongoing issues, and participated in discussions on potential solutions. This experience broadened my perspective on community matters and enhanced my problem-solving skills.
Science 4U
I presented my group project to secondary school students at the Science 4U event. I explained my project in simple terms to help the students understand and become inspired by advancements in science
Open Days
Helping out on open days enhanced my communication skills. Sharing my university experience with prospective students was exciting. As a Gene Editor, I effectively conveyed my fascination with gene editing, leaving a positive impact on the audience.
Lavender field trip
The Gene Editors of the Future programme has not only enhanced my learning abilities and knowledge but has also allowed me to connect with incredible people and learn from one another. As part of the Gene Editors family, we not only learn and grow together but also enjoy trips and shared experiences.
